Otby Top

The Lincolnshire Wolds comprise a series of low hills and steep valleys underlain by calcareous (chalk and limestone) and sandstone rock, laid down in the Cretaceous period. The chalk and sandstone cap of the wolds is permeable to water as so you may notice that there are no streams or becks at this level. However, as you move down the hill eastwards, you will meet the base of this layer, underlain by oolitic limestone. This forms a springline, where water seeps out in the form of streams and springs as the limestone base is impermeable.
The characteristic open valleys of the Wolds were created during the last glacial period through the action of glaciation and meltwater. Geographically, the Lincolnshire Wolds is a continuation of the Yorkshire Wolds which runs through the East Riding of Yorkshire; the point at which the ranges of hill crosses the Humber is known as the Humber Gap.


The listed coordinates take you to the eastern edge of the chalk/sandstone cap of the wolds (light blue on the map). From here, look roughly eastwards towards the "Trent Valley". On a clear day you can see the line of the River Trent itself, marked by a series of power stations. You are viewing this from the eastern escarpment of the wolds which forms, by Lincolnshire standards, a cliff feature. Fabulous sunsets can be viewed from here! You may also be able to see the Humber Bridge to the north, Boston "Stump" to the south-east and Lincoln Cathedral to the south-west.

This is a favourite area of mine and has supplied many memorable walks over the years. I often camp in nearby Normanby le Wold, the highest village in Lincolnshire, and walked along the long distance footpath, the Viking Way which runs through this area. My girls  used to come here with me when they were younger and were always fascinated by what they called the "Giant Golfball"- the spherical radar station close to GZ. Another favourite of theirs was the man with toothache- a carving within Normanby church which you might like to find. (Optional!)

To complete this Earthcache you must complete the following activities and forward the answers to me by email by clicking on my caching name at the top of this listing page.
1) In the field behind you there are countless small whitish rocks scattered in the soil. Describe this rock in terms of colour, weight and texture. Can you name this rock type?
2) How does the underlying rock of the wolds differ from that found across much of the rest of Lincolnshire and from which Lincoln cathedral is built?
3) Use your GPS to measure the difference in height between here and the village of Claxby and the bottom of the hill.
4) (Optional) Upload a photograph of your and/or your GPSr at the trig point or at the highest point you can reach
The published coordinates are at the nearest safe place to stop and park and the Earthcache can be completed from here. The actual high point is at the trig point- see the additional waypoint.

I have earned GSA's highest level: